After pickup in Bariloche, your Patagonia hiking and trekking adventure begins with a 45-minute drive south of town to the shores of Mascardi Lake (Lago Mascardi).
Arrive at a campsite owned by the native Mapuche community, where the kayaking portion of your tour begins with a safety and instructional briefing from your guide. Then collect all of the provided gear you'll need, including a personal flotation device, dry bag, neoprene shorts and a windproof/waterproof jacket to wear over your clothes.
When you're ready, hop in your double kayak and set off on the lake, paddling toward Playa Leones, one of the prettiest beaches on any of the lakes in Nahuel Huapi National Park (Parque Nacional Nahuel Huapi). Reach the secluded beach after about 45 minutes to an hour of paddling, during which you’ll be awed by the stunning natural setting, including the snow-capped peaks of the Patagonian Andes.
Pull your kayak up on shore, and prepare for the trekking part of your day trip. Follow your guide on a walk through the forest, listening to commentary about local plant life like the coihue tree. After about 45 minutes, reach your destination, Llum Lagoon (Laguna Llum), a small body of water that sits on the peninsula between the two branches of Mascardi Lake.
Enjoy some time to take photos and admire the scenery, and then head back to Playa Leones, where you’ll have lunch on the beach followed by a bit of time to relax. Lunch typically includes beef sandwiches with Gouda cheese, tomatoes and arugula; smoked trout sandwiches; or zucchini quiche with eggplant and Gorgonzola. Bottled water and salad, fresh fruit or cereal bars are also provided.
After lunch, paddle back to the point where you began kayaking and enjoy a quick snack before making the drive back to Bariloche.
Please note: Depending on the current weather conditions and/or your group's preferences about how far you want to paddle, lunch may take place at a different spot other than Playa Leones.